Planting native species is one of the most effective ways to support bee populations in your region.
Here’s a list of top-performing native plants—selected based on university extension recommendations, ecological studies, and Pacific Northwest plant guides—to maximize bee visitation and biodiversity in gardens across Washington, Oregon, and nearby states:
Top Native Plants for Bees
- Douglas Aster (Symphyotrichum subspicatum)
Late-blooming perennial that attracts many native bee species.[1] - California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica)
Vibrant spring and summer blooms; supports solitary bees and bumble bees.[2][1] - Canada Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis)
Valuable late-summer/fall nectar source for bumble bees, sweat bees, and more.[3][1] - Oregon Sunshine (Eriophyllum lanatum)
Drought-tolerant, with bright yellow flowers that draw a diversity of bees.[1] - Lupine (Lupinus spp.)
Great for long-tongued bees; blooms from spring into summer.[2][3] - Balsamroot (Balsamorhiza sagittata)
Attracts a wide variety of native pollinators and adapts to dry soils.[2] - Ninebark (Physocarpus spp.)
Spring-blooming shrub for early-season bee activity.[2] - Blanketflower (Gaillardia aristata)
Blooms all summer, appealing to bumble bees and solitary bees.[2] - Oceanspray (Holodiscus discolor)
Fragrant showers of white blooms in early summer; attracts many bee types.[4] - Mahonia (Oregon Grape, Mahonia aquifolium)
Early yellow blooms bring bumble bees and mason bees.[3] - Red-Flowering Currant (Ribes sanguineum)
Key source for early-season pollinators, including hummingbirds.[4] - Willow (Salix spp.)
Catkins offer critical early pollen for queen bumblebees and native bees.[5] - Camas (Camassia quamash)
Spring flowers provide nectar for mining bees and others.[5] - Serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia)
Nectar for bees plus edible fruit for wildlife.[4] - Pacific Rhododendron (Rhododendron macrophyllum)
Nectar for springtime bees; hosts butterfly larvae.[4]
Tips for Bee-Friendly Planting
- Mix flower shapes, colors, and bloom periods to provide food throughout the year, supporting different bee species’ needs.[4][2]
- Cluster each plant variety in groups (3ft+ in diameter) to create attractive “bee magnets” and increase foraging efficiency.[2]
- Avoid pesticide use and let some areas remain undisturbed for nesting habitat.[1][3]
How to Localize Your Plant List
Not all native genera above are available in every microclimate. For hyper-local guidance:
- Visit a native plant nursery or your local chapter of the Native Plant Society.
- Reference region-specific pollinator guides like those from the Xerces Society or garden extension offices.[6][7]
- Use wildflower identification guides to find species suited to specific soil and moisture conditions.
By focusing your garden on Pacific Northwest native plants like Douglas aster, Oregon grape, goldenrod, lupine, and oceanspray, you’ll create a vibrant, resilient bee oasis that supports endangered pollinators throughout the year.[3][1][4][2]
⁂
- https://wildlife.org/what-gardens-do-bees-prefer-in-the-pacific-northwest/
- https://backyardhabitats.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Pacific-NW-Plants-for-Bees.pdf
- https://www.pdxmonthly.com/travel-and-outdoors/2020/03/these-native-plants-are-balm-to-pacific-northwest-pollinators
- https://extension.oregonstate.edu/news/12-plants-entice-pollinators-your-garden
- https://news.oregonstate.edu/news/twenty-five-plants-attracting-native-bees-garden
- https://xerces.org/pollinator-conservation/pollinator-friendly-plant-lists
- https://xerces.org/pollinator-resource-center/pnw
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